Can smoking cause swelling in front of ear on parotid gland?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have little swelling in front of ear on parotid gland for about 10 days. I feel pain while chewing. Nothing else apart that. I can open my mouth wide. Local doctor gave me some antibiotics and now my pain is gone 90 %. Since I am a smoker. So my question is what is the reason for this swelling and I have quit smoking past two days. Does smoking does this? And what should I do next? Swelling is not visible but can be felt. There is no swelling inside the mouth.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your symptoms of swelling in front of cheek while chewing and increase in pain indicates it is originating in the parotid salivary gland. This typically indicates there is an obstruction to the draining duct of salivary gland leading to increase in size while chewing. This obstruction can be due to calculi within the duct or simple inflammation and obstruction of duct. You have to undergo ultrasound examination and X-ray of the parotid gland to look for presence of any calculi or cysts. Only antibiotics may not relieve your problem. You need to identify the cause of obstruction of salivary gland duct and need appropriate treatment.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

This present condition does not seem to be like cancer since it is of very short duration of 10 days. Smoking cannot be ruled out as a cause as it is one of the major irritant of oral cavity.